Spark Huawei HG659B and Mobile Data Stick

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AndrewTarr

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#224042 30-Oct-2017 16:13

Hi Everyone,

I'm just enquiring if anyone has successfully made this setup work. I've tried multiple devices with the same result.

Router - Spark HG659B with latest Spark Firmware V100R001C227B022

Data Stick - Spark Huawei E3531

I've followed the official instructions here

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet-data/equipment/huawei/hg659-gateway/connect-via-3g-dongle-huawei-hg659-hg659b/

and no joy. It show stats, but says it cannot find a sim.

The data stick works fine in a PC.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

hio77

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Lizard Networks

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#1892777 30-Oct-2017 17:51

Can't say i have seen this issue..

Sounds like you have done the right things, I'll see if i can't source a test device this week...

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sbiddle

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#1892789 30-Oct-2017 18:30

Is that a supported dongle?

Wheelbarrow01

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Chorus

#1892923 31-Oct-2017 08:58

sbiddle:

Is that a supported dongle?

A valid question. From memory, when Spark first started supplying Huawei broadband routers, this functionality only worked with some of the older T Sticks (ZTE branded?) but not the newer ones.

Speaking to my significant other just now (who works in a Spark Business Hub), it appears this is still the case - she tells me that this functionality only works with a select few end of life T Sticks, not with any that we currently sell. She is going to get me the make and model of one that she knows does work, and I will post that info here shortly.

[EDIT: Our internal help database for the Huawei HG630b modem specifically notes that the Huawei E3531 stick can be used in the USB slot of that device. However the same help pages for the HG659 has no such confirmation. I am still trying to get more information]

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

AndrewTarr

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#1893055 31-Oct-2017 11:48

Thanks for the responses.

It'd be useful if I can get it working. I know I can always go and source other hardware, but this seemed like a neat ("supplier approved") package (with 4G backup) to deploy to a number of small equipment sites.

Both router and 4G Data stick were supplied by the Spark Business Hub. They seemed to think it should work and sent me a second mobile data stick when it initially didn't.

I just want to make sure I haven't missed anything simple....

Wheelbarrow01

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Chorus

#1893151 31-Oct-2017 14:22

OK so according to reference material that I have just found, The Huawei HG659 WILL support a Huawei E3531 data stick plugged into the USB slot.

If it's not working, it has been suggested to me that you contact the Spark Broadband Help Desk for assistance with this.

Before you do that, it may be worth plugging the stick into a laptop connected to the internet and seeing if it's possible to update the stick to the latest software/firmware. I know you said you'd updated the modem to the latest firmware, but the stick itself may also require an update. This is second hand information so I can't state categorically that this will work, but it may be worth a try before contacting the help desk.

The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer Chorus NZ Ltd

AndrewTarr

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#1896574 7-Nov-2017 09:07

Thanks for all the responses. I'll give the firmware update a go again and see if that makes a difference.

I'll report back.